Jodie Fox, chief creative officer and co-founder of multi-channel retailer, Shoes of Prey, will deliver the keynote address at the 2015 Eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast.

ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, said the industry body is ecstatic to have Fox present at this year’s event.

“Jodie has a wealth of knowledge to share with her retail peers. We’re confident all attendees will leave the Awards Breakfast feeling motivated to put some of Jodie’s business strategies into practice,” Zimmerman said.

“The Shoes of Prey concept is a perfect example of how Australian retailers have innovated and adapted to today’s environment. Launched in 2009, Shoes of Prey was the first company to offer women the opportunity to design their own shoes online. Fast forward to today, the company boasts five offices globally with stores in both Australia and the US.

“Shoes of Prey broke even within two months of its launch and hit multi-million dollar revenues within two years – a truly inspiring retail story that needs to be shared,” he said.

Jodie Fox said it is an honour to be invited to give the keynote address at the 2015 ARA Awards Breakfast and celebrate the achievements of Australian retailers.

“The Australian retail industry is at a tipping point whereby the elements we’ve long wished for are all becoming available to us. It’s never an easy road to build a successful business – and there are plenty of failures along the way. I’m optimistic about what we as a nation of retailers can achieve,” Fox said.

The 2015 ARA Awards are open now for nominations, closing May 8. To enter, visit www.australianretailawards.com.au.

Categories include Australian Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail Employer of the Year, Australian Independent Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail Innovator of the Year, Australian Retail Graduate of the Year, Australian Multichannel Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Individual Retailer of the Year, Customer Satisfaction Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail Store Fit-out of the Year, and Australian Retail Payments Leader of the Year.

Winners will be announced at the ARA Awards Breakfast in Melbourne on July 2. To reserve tickets, email awards@retail.org.au.